And a maintenance report from several years earlier.
The report stated that an auxiliary water-feature connection had been taken out of service.
Luke read the sentence twice.
Then looked toward the backyard.
If the line was out of service, why did Rafael suspect water might be moving through it?
That evening, Luke walked along the fence.
The neighboring property was part of the HOA's landscaped common area. Several trees and shrubs separated his backyard from a decorative fountain installed near a small walking path.
The fountain had been renovated recently.
Luke remembered hearing equipment during the construction work.
He'd assumed the noise came from the association's own maintenance systems.
Now he noticed something unusual.
The fountain was running.
At the same time, the faint vibration near his fence had returned.
Luke stood still.
For several seconds, he listened.
Then looked toward the pool.
He didn't yet know whether the two events were connected.
But he decided to write down the time.
Celeste's interest in Luke's backyard continued during the same period.
She began describing the pool as a "legacy recreational feature" during neighborhood meetings.
The phrase sounded official.
But nobody had defined what it meant.
When homeowners asked where it was located, she showed photographs of Luke's beautifully maintained pool.
Some residents recognized the house.
Others assumed the association had negotiated access.
A few were confused because they remembered Luke refusing permission.
Celeste had an explanation ready.
She claimed the dispute concerned the interpretation of a historical agreement.
She also suggested Luke was temporarily withholding access while negotiating maintenance arrangements.
Neither statement reflected what he'd told her.
But Celeste repeated them often enough that some residents began accepting the story.
She launched a program called Cedar Ridge Wellness Weekends.
The promotional materials showed attractive outdoor recreation areas, tasteful lounge furniture, and a swimming pool with blue tile borders.
Luke recognized his backyard immediately.
His patio chairs were visible.
So was the large blue flowerpot filled with red flowers.
The photograph had been taken from an angle near his side gate.
He stared at the promotional image.
Then forwarded it to Hannah.
Her response came quickly.
Preserve the original advertisement and any associated registration materials. Do not assume the association has obtained permission simply because it is advertising access.
Luke saved everything.
Then opened the program's registration page.